Be professional. Your audition will start from the moment you step into the theatre. The person handing you an application will be evaluating you. If you have an attitude toward the person greeting you when you walk in, you can be sure that information will be passed along to the director. Remember, you are on stage the moment you step through the door.
Be on time. Show up at least 30 minutes before the audition is to start. This will give you an opportunity to be prepared. You can get a feel for the theatre, introduce yourself to the director. You will have a chance to sit back and relax before the stress of the audition.
Pay attention to your demeanor. The way you dress and speak can make a difference. Be courteous to others, speak firmly and positively at all times. Make sure you are clean and well groomed. Make sure your breath does not stink.
Be honest. When you fill out your application, make sure you are neat and honest. Do not make things up. Do not lie. As soon as you do, inevitably someone will know and it not worth it.
Be prepared. Have your calendar with you and be up front about any possible conflicts with the shows run and rehearsal schedule. The director needs to know about conflicts before you audition, he will decide if he can work with your schedule during the audition. Once you do accept a part, the rehearsal schedule IS CAST IN STONE. You have made a commitment, you must meet it. If the conflict is going to prevent you from doing the show, you and everyone needs to know up front.
Always have a resume available.
Have a head shot photograph if possible. The head shot should be 8 x 10 and done professionally. Find a good quality photographer. The head shot should not cost more than $150. A good photograph will typically not mass produce the head shot, so expect to have that done somewhere else. Some places to find reputable photographers are
Know the play's schedule, make sure you are available for rehearsal and for the run of the show. Some times your schedule can be accommodated for, but don't count on it. The director has the final say about the schedule.
Be realistic about the role you are auditioning for. If the role calls for an 80 year old man, you probably don't need to audition if you are a teenage girl. How do you see yourself in the role. Are you a romantic leading role type of character or more of a character actor? Pick roles that are appropriate. If the role calls for dancing and you cannot dance, try auditioning for another role.
Be aware of what plays are out there. Read plays, Samuel French in Hollywood has a huge selection of plays, get some and read them. If you cannot afford to purchase plays, get the catalog at the least (usually free) from Samuel French, Dramatist, Dramatic Publishing Company and choose plays that you like.
Before you walk into the audition, be familiar with part. You will be asked to read from script, so be prepared. Practice cold reading technique. Practice reading out loud. Have several monologues prepared for the audition, you may be asked to read a monologue. Have a contemporary drama and comedy, as well as a classic comedy and drama monologue ready.
When you audition, listen to the director. You need to be able to take direction well. The director may give you direction just to see how you will respond. Always be positive, if the director gives you direction, respond positively. It is better to respond with "Great" or "I am ready". Do not say things lie "I will try" or "I will do my best". Always be positive and confident.
Follow the direction you are given. You are not there to suggest to the director that there may be a better way to play a role. The director is interested in how well you follow direction, not in how you think direction should be given.
When you get ready to audition, have your monologue down well enough so you can make eye contact during reading. Be good at cold reading. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
You should be working even if you are not in an audition. Practice cold reading, see plays, read plays out loud, read scripts with friends. Even if this is a hobby, treat it like a profession.
Dress appropriately for the audition. Typically you should dress professionally unless you know before hand that you are expected to dress in costume. If you know the role your are auditioning for, you can adjust your clothing to accommodate the part without dressing in costume. For example, if the role is an older character, dress more conservatively as appropriate for someone that age.
Auditioning for musicals is brutal. Be prepared.
Have songs ready to sing. Prepare a FAKE BOOK, a book of sheet music to use for auditions. The music should be 16 bars of your best stuff. Have several different types of music available; up tempo, ballad, musicals, etc.. Have songs that show different techniques. Always be prepared to have music ready for the audition. If you are asked for music, be prepared.
Know your voice. Know what you can sing. Do not attempt to sing outside your range.
The audition notice should tell you what you need to be prepared for. Be sure to read the notice and follow the direction.
Being prepared will show the director that you can take and follow direction which is very important. Always follow direction and do not improvise. The director is looking for how well you can follow direction.
Voice and dance lessons will benefit you when you audition for musicals. Always stay warm, always keep training. Your voice and dance abilities require constant practice and it will show when you audition.
Musicals are still character driven. Do not lose the character. Practice your song as a monologue. Know what you are saying and why. Know the feeling behind the words of the song. Treat like a spoken piece. This will influence you when you sing the music and will make it more complete.